May 14, 2024

Negros Occidental, Philippines, distributes financial aid to swine raisers amid ASF recovery efforts

The provincial government of Negros Occidental, Philippines, continues to distribute financial assistance to swine raisers affected by African swine fever (ASF) and other transboundary swine diseases, which resulted in the loss of approximately 18,000 swine last year, Philippine News Agency reported.

Provincial social welfare and development officer Chiqui Gonzales said following the cash aid distribution in E.B. Magalona on Wednesday afternoon, more assistance will be provided to other local government units (LGUs).

The provincial government has allocated PHP 10 million (US$172,000) to provide PHP 2,000 (US$34.57) each to 5,000 affected swine raisers across the province.

In the municipality of Enrique B Magalona, one of the worst-hit LGUs, an initial 99 swine raisers received a total of PHP 198,000 (US$3,422).

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, who led the distribution of cash assistance, emphasised the importance of adhering to farm biosecurity standards for the swine industry's recovery.

Negros Occidental continues to ban the entry of pork and pork products from ASF-hit areas, including Bacolod city.

Municipal Agriculturist Efren Garcia Jr said that swine raisers in Enrique B Magalona are gradually returning to swine production, stabilising the price of pork in the municipality at only PHP 320 (US$5.53) per kilo compared to the previous PHP 420 (US$7.26).

In February, the provincial government also provided PHP 192,000 (US$3,319) in financial assistance to 96 swine raisers in Victorias city and a total of PHP 1.3 million (US$22,400) to 650 swine raisers in the municipalities of San Enrique, Valladolid, and Hinigaran.

-      Philippine News Agency